At a glance
- Riva Christmas market
- 13 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027
- Arco Christmas markets
- 13 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027
- Lake Garda 42 (marathon)
- 9–11 April 2027
- Bike Festival Riva
- 30 April – 2 May 2027
- Notte di Fiaba
- Late August (2027 dates to be announced)
- Rock Master, Arco
- Early October (2027 dates to be announced)
Riva del Garda is not just a summer destination. Every season has its events, and some fill the town well in advance: if you are coming for an event, book early. We update this page every season.
Winter: the Christmas markets
- Riva del Garda, "Di Gusto in Gusto": from 13 November 2026 to 6 January 2027 in Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Battisti, a stone's throw from our apartments. In November and early December open Friday to Sunday (and some Mondays), from 23 December almost every day, roughly from 10:30 to 20:00–21:00. On New Year's Eve until 3 am, on 6 January until 17:00.
- Arco: markets in the old town from 13 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, Friday to Sunday until 20 December, then every day from 21 December, from 10:00 to 19:00.
In winter the Cascata del Varone (Varone Waterfall) stays open (except on 25 December), while some museums, such as the MAG in the Rocca, close until spring.
The year's calendar
| When | Event | For |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 | Riva and Arco Christmas markets | Everyone |
| Around Easter | Lake Garda Meeting Optimist (youth regatta) | Sailing, families |
| 9–11 April 2027 | Lake Garda 42: Limone–Malcesine marathon via Riva and Arco, half marathon from Arco | Runners |
| 30 April – 2 May 2027 | FSA Bike Festival Riva | Mountain bikers |
| Late August | Notte di Fiaba: Riva's fairy-tale festival, with the big parade | Families |
| Early October | Rock Master, Arco | Climbers |
| November | Garda Trentino Half Marathon, Riva–Arco–Torbole (8 November in 2026) | Runners |
The 2027 dates for Notte di Fiaba and Rock Master have not yet been announced: we will update them as soon as they are official. For sporting events, always check the organisers' website.
Booking for an event
- Bike Festival and Lake Garda 42 fill Riva and Arco: the earlier you book, the more choice you have. The 2027 Lake Garda 42 is already listed as sold out.
- Markets: weekends are the liveliest time; weekdays are quieter.
- Staying in the old town during events saves you parking headaches: Riva's markets are a short walk from our apartments. See also car parks and ZTL.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Christmas market in Riva del Garda?
Riva's Christmas market, "Di Gusto in Gusto", runs from 13 November 2026 to 6 January 2027 in Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Battisti. In November and early December it is open mainly at weekends, and from 23 December almost every day.
When are the Arco Christmas markets?
The Arco Christmas markets are in the old town from 13 November 2026 to 6 January 2027: Friday to Sunday until 20 December, then every day from 21 December to 6 January.
What is there to do in Riva del Garda in winter?
The Riva and Arco Christmas markets, the Cascata del Varone (open all year except 25 December), walks along the lakefront and day trips. Some venues and museums, such as the MAG in the Rocca, close in winter.
What are the big spring events in Riva del Garda?
In April the Lake Garda 42 (9–11 April 2027), in late April the Bike Festival (30 April – 2 May 2027) and around Easter the Lake Garda Meeting Optimist, the regatta for young sailors.
